Design and Specifications of the Flowing Hair Dollar
The Flowing Hair Dollar was the first silver dollar coin issued by the United States federal government. It was authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792 and represented a significant milestone in establishing a standardized national currency. The design was created by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint.
| Weight | 26.96 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 39-40 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint marks (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty with flowing hair, facing right, surrounded by stars |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with wings spread, surrounded by a wreath |
| Years of Minting | 1794-1795 |
Collectibility and Rare Varieties
The condition of Flowing Hair Dollars significantly impacts their value, with well-preserved specimens commanding substantial premiums. The 1794 dollar is particularly valuable, with one specimen selling for over $10 million in 2013. Variations in strike quality, planchet preparation, and die states can greatly affect rarity and value. Some notable errors include the 1795 Off-Center Strike and the 1795 Three Leaves variety, which can command higher prices.
| 1794 | 1,758 minted; extremely rare and highly sought after |
|---|---|
| 1795 | 160,295 minted; rare, but more available than 1794 |
Explore Flowing Hair Dollar Values by Year
Most Valuable Flowing Hair Dollar
This section highlights the most valuable coins in the series, based on PCGS price guides. The table shows price ranges for each coin in various conditions.
